2027 Pre-Season: Russell

Our fastest draft ever, done in about eight days! With the non-snake drafting, maybe that sped us up. Good job everyone! Entering our second year under the new playoff system, we'll see how it goes even as the NBA changes their lottery rules to discourage tanking. And again, this is all written by Chat GPT for the second straight year, so any errors are not mine! [ 2027 Chamberlain | 2027 Keeper Tiers ]

TeamID - Abbrev - Name (2026 Record, 2025 Record)

#1 FJUB Fat Jubas (12-5, 5-12-1)

What a difference a year makes. After a disastrous 5-12-1 campaign in 2025 snapped one of SlamNation’s longest playoff streaks, Eric’s Fat Jubas stormed back to 12-5, earned a first-round bye, and reached their fourth Finals appearance. ILCN ultimately denied them a third championship, but the turnaround was remarkable. Last preseason, we described FJUB as a franchise undergoing a controlled renovation. Apparently, Eric decided to renovate the entire house and immediately put it back on the championship market.

Much of that resurgence came from unexpected places. Kyshawn George and Peyton Watson emerged as breakout contributors, while Trey Murphy III continued his ascent. FJUB also finished with the league’s third-best defense, leading SlamNation in steals. The January trade that brought Kawhi Leonard aboard for Zaccharie Risacher demonstrated Eric’s willingness to sacrifice future upside for another title shot. It nearly worked. Now the challenge is replacing last season’s supporting cast without sacrificing the defensive identity that made the Jubas so dangerous.

The six-man 2027 draft class offers an intriguing mix of immediate contributors and reclamation projects. Nickeil Alexander-Walker brings scoring and defensive versatility, while Keegan Murray supplies size, shooting, and two-way potential. Devin Vassell is another offensive weapon capable of providing valuable perimeter production, and Davion Mitchell reinforces the backcourt with playmaking and defensive pressure. Kyle Filipowski offers developmental upside as a versatile young big, while Deandre Ayton, a former NBA first overall pick, is the draft’s biggest wildcard. That’s six legitimate rotation candidates, although none arrives without questions.

FJUB enters 2027 with championship expectations and an increasingly urgent timeline. Leonard, Towns, and Trae Young provide established star power, while Murphy and George offer a younger foundation. The draft adds flexibility, but can Eric coax another breakout from this group? Last season, George and Watson helped turn a lottery team into a finalist. If even two of this year’s six selections outperform expectations, the Fat Jubas could be back in the Finals—and perhaps finally capture championship number three.

#2 CHMK Chunky Monkeys (11-5-1, 9-9)

Chunky Monkeys went big in 2026. Really big. After years of mediocrity, Evan’s blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo transformed CHMK into SlamNation’s most unconventional contender. The result was an 11-5-1 record, their first winning season since 2021, and a sixth-place playoff berth. Their Big Ball experiment deliberately sacrificed free throws, three-pointers, and turnovers to dominate elsewhere. And dominate they did: CHMK led the league in defense, rebounding, and assists. Unfortunately, Giannis’s injuries complicated their postseason ambitions, leaving unfinished business heading into 2027.

All six keepers return, giving Evan remarkable continuity with Giannis, Alperen Şengün, Evan Mobley, Amen Thompson, Dyson Daniels, and Jamal Murray. Ranked in Tier 2, this group boasts exceptional size, versatility, and defensive production. Murray’s first All-Star campaign supplied much-needed scoring, but CHMK still finished just tenth in points. The challenge isn’t figuring out how to win categories; it’s finding enough offense to make their unusual strategy championship-proof.

Evan’s 2027 draft doubled down on versatility while adding some intriguing offensive upside. Rookie Ebuka Okorie, selected tenth overall, brings explosive scoring potential to a backcourt that desperately needs it. Brandin Podziemski adds rebounding and playmaking from the guard position, while Cason Wallace returns as a defensive specialist perfectly suited to Big Ball. Sandro Mamukelashvili offers frontcourt creativity and shooting, Gui Santos supplies energetic wing depth, and Ryan Kalkbrenner brings another imposing shot-blocking presence. It’s a draft that reinforces CHMK’s identity without completely ignoring its weaknesses.

The Monkeys enter 2027 as legitimate contenders, but their championship formula remains unusually precise. Giannis must stay healthy, Murray must sustain his scoring, and the new additions need to provide just enough offense without compromising the league’s most intimidating defense. Evan also holds FUNK’s 2028 first-rounder, offering future flexibility. Big Ball has made CHMK relevant again. Now it’s time to find out whether bigger really is better when the championship is on the line.

#3 FUNK Funk Coalition (5-12, 8-10)

Funk Coalition’s youth movement is officially entering its second act. After winning the 2025 Toilet Bowl and assembling an unprecedented rookie haul in 2026, Jon watched his franchise stumble to 5-12, finishing thirteenth overall. The growing pains were substantial: FUNK ranked dead last in field-goal percentage, fourteenth in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and thirteenth in assists. Not exactly a statistical masterpiece. But with Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, and Dylan Harper gaining experience, 2026 was always about laying foundations rather than hanging banners.

FUNK’s six keepers remain among SlamNation’s most intriguing, earning a Tier 3 ranking despite last season’s struggles. Jayson Tatum returns as the veteran centerpiece, surrounded by Flagg, Knueppel, Edgecombe, Harper, and Reed Sheppard. It’s an extraordinary collection of young talent, although the roster still lacks proven frontcourt production. Tatum’s return should help, but expecting five developing players to become championship contributors simultaneously might be asking a little much.

Jon’s 2027 draft was another aggressive investment in youth. After jumping to second in the lottery, FUNK traded down to third, surrendering Cedric Coward to MEMM in the historic four-team deal. The prize was Cameron Boozer, a potential franchise cornerstone whose rebounding and interior scoring address glaring weaknesses. Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries add promising perimeter talent, while Aday Mara, acquired through FJUB’s third-round selection, supplies much-needed size and shot-blocking upside. Veterans Jakob Poeltl and Scotty Pippen Jr. round out the six selections, offering immediate production and stability amid the rookie invasion.

The ceiling is enormous, but patience remains essential. FUNK now possesses one of SlamNation’s deepest collections of young prospects, with enough talent to eventually challenge anyone. The question is how quickly that potential translates into victories. Jon has spent two years collecting the future. In 2027, it’s time for the future to start collecting wins.

#4 MEMM Memphis MonStars (3-14, 2-16)

Memphis MonStars have officially entered Year Two of the Austin era, and the good news is that things can hardly get worse. After inheriting the wreckage of UFOS, Austin managed three wins in 2026, one more than the franchise’s previous campaign, before closing the season on a nine-game losing streak. The statistical carnage was equally impressive: MEMM finished dead last in points, assists, and games played, while ranking fifteenth in field-goal percentage. Still, Austin has been busy dismantling the old roster, including shipping Kawhi Leonard to FJUB for Zaccharie Risacher. The rebuilding process is underway, even if the scoreboard hasn’t noticed.

The 2027 keeper core reflects that transition. Ja Morant remains the franchise’s biggest name, joined by Josh Hart, Onyeka Okongwu, Andrew Nembhard, Cedric Coward, and Peyton Watson. Ranked in Tier 5, it’s hardly an intimidating collection, but there’s considerably more youth and flexibility than a year ago. Coward and Watson offer developmental upside, while Hart and Nembhard provide the veteran stability this franchise desperately needs. Of course, Morant’s availability remains the elephant in the room.

Austin’s offseason began with a lottery win, as they acquired the first overall pick with just 14% odds. Naturally, he traded it. The historic four-team deal sent MEMM down to fourth, netting three players and KSKT’s 2028 first-rounder. At RD1.4, Memphis selected Caleb Wilson, an explosive forward with legitimate star potential. John Collins and Jonathan Kuminga add athleticism and scoring, while Isaiah Hartenstein supplies rebounding, passing, and interior toughness. PJ Washington brings versatile frontcourt production, and Collin Sexton offers instant offense. Six useful additions, with Wilson representing the biggest long-term prize.

The MonStars aren’t suddenly contenders, but the roster finally has direction. Austin has accumulated young talent, useful veterans, and future draft capital without sacrificing his rebuilding timeline. Wilson could eventually become the franchise centerpiece Morant hasn’t consistently been. Memphis won the lottery, traded away the winning ticket, and somehow might have come out ahead. Now comes the difficult part: winning actual basketball games.

#5 TRUO Truo Thien (4-11-2, 3-13-2)

Seven consecutive seasons with five wins or fewer. At this point, Truo Thien isn’t rebuilding so much as conducting a long-term archaeological excavation of the standings. After entering 2026 with renewed optimism, Thien managed just four victories, finishing twelfth overall. The numbers were brutal: TRUO ranked fifteenth in scoring and assists, sixteenth in blocks, and fourteenth in three-pointers. Last year’s supposedly improved frontcourt failed to deliver, while the offense remained painfully inconsistent. Something needed to change, and for 2027, Thien has finally decided to take a bigger swing.

The keeper core remains an uneven collection of talent. De’Aaron Fox and Julius Randle provide established production, while Jalen Green and Cam Thomas offer explosive but unpredictable scoring. Kel’el Ware and Zach Edey represent the franchise’s long-term investment in size, although neither has yet transformed the team’s fortunes. There’s potential here, but without a genuine fantasy superstar, TRUO continues to lack the foundation that separates contenders from perpetual lottery participants.

The 2027 draft delivered the offseason’s biggest surprise: Joel Embiid, selected sixth overall after SBUK finally moved on from its former franchise cornerstone. It’s a massive gamble on health, but potentially transformative if Embiid can recapture his elite production. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg adds versatile frontcourt upside, while Kingston Flemings, acquired through a third-round pick swap with MELO, brings exciting young playmaking talent. Bennedict Mathurin supplies aggressive scoring, Jerami Grant offers veteran two-way production, and Anfernee Simons provides another dangerous perimeter weapon. It’s arguably Thien’s most ambitious draft in years, combining immediate help with developmental upside.

Of course, ambition and execution are different things. Embiid’s health is an enormous variable, and adding more scorers doesn’t automatically fix TRUO’s defensive deficiencies or playmaking limitations. Still, the talent level has undeniably improved, and there’s finally a plausible path toward respectability. After seven years wandering the wilderness, Thien has found his potential savior. Unfortunately, that savior comes with an extensive medical history and absolutely no warranty.

#6 SWMP Swamp Dragons (11-6, 11-6-1)

Another year, another winning season for Eddie’s Swamp Dragons. At this point, sustained competence is practically a franchise tradition. SWMP finished 11-6 in 2026, reaching the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons, but once again failed to capture that elusive championship. The Swamp Dragons reached the Finals in 2019 and 2022, yet neither trip produced a banner. Last season’s roster was an offensive powerhouse, leading SlamNation in three-pointers while finishing second in assists and steals. Unfortunately, injuries and Paul George’s suspension complicated matters, leaving Eddie wondering whether another promising season had slipped away.

The keeper core remains excellent, headlined by Nikola Jokić and the ascending duo of Jalen Johnson and Jalen Williams. Zach LaVine provides scoring, while Jalen Suggs and Toumani Camara bring defensive intensity. It’s a versatile foundation, although SWMP’s fifteenth-place finish in blocks exposed a significant weakness. With Jokić still operating at an extraordinary level, Eddie’s championship window remains open, but it won’t stay that way forever.

The 2027 draft looks designed to address those shortcomings. Immanuel Quickley arrives as a dynamic scoring guard, while Nic Claxton immediately improves the team’s interior defense and shot-blocking. Anthony Black offers size, playmaking, and defensive versatility in the backcourt, and Aaron Gordon reunites with Jokić as a dependable, physical frontcourt presence. Tre Jones supplies steady ballhandling and assists, while Pelle Larsson adds energetic wing depth. It’s a practical six-player haul that prioritizes defense and versatility without sacrificing the offense that made SWMP dangerous.

The Dragons have become one of SlamNation’s most reliable contenders, but reliability isn’t the same as greatness. Jokić gives them a weekly advantage few franchises can match, and this year’s additions should provide better defensive balance. Eddie has mastered the art of reaching the playoffs. In 2027, it’s time for the Swamp Dragons to finally finish the job.

#7 MELO Melo My Mind (8-8-1, 12-5-1)

Nobody rides the SlamNation roller coaster quite like Jack. Since 2021, MELO’s win totals have alternated between success and disappointment: eleven, three, ten, five, twelve, and now eight. Last year’s 12-5-1 breakout had us predicting a possible championship run, but 2026 delivered another frustrating retreat to mediocrity. The statistical profile was equally confusing: fourth in field-goal percentage and scoring, but thirteenth in free throws, blocks, and fifteenth in turnovers. MELO could score with almost anyone, yet struggled to build the balanced production necessary for sustained success.

The keeper core remains talented, featuring Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett, Brandon Miller, and Stephon Castle. It’s a strong collection of established scorers and ascending young players, although Durant’s age makes the championship timeline increasingly urgent. Brown and Siakam provide dependable production, while Miller and Castle represent the franchise’s future. The problem isn’t a shortage of talent; it’s finding the right supporting cast to complement an unusually wing-heavy foundation.

Jack’s 2027 draft takes an interesting approach to that problem. Jabari Smith Jr. headlines the class, bringing size, shooting, and rebounding to a roster that desperately needs frontcourt versatility. Ty Jerome adds efficient scoring and playmaking, while Quentin Grimes provides perimeter defense and three-point shooting. Collin Gillespie offers another steady ballhandler, and Julian Champagnie contributes wing depth and outside shooting. The five selections completed a draft heavily focused on perimeter production.

MELO enters 2027 facing a familiar question: which version of Jack’s franchise will show up? The keepers are good enough to challenge contenders, but the supporting cast must improve the team’s consistency. If history holds, MELO is due for another breakout. Unfortunately, the SlamNation standings don’t award victories for being statistically overdue.

#8 KSKT Krispy Kreme Team (7-10, 11-7)

Krispy Kreme Team entered 2026 believing it could survive Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury. Seven wins later, Matt discovered that replacing an elite playmaker is considerably harder than writing optimistic preseason predictions. After consecutive winning seasons, KSKT stumbled to 7-10, finishing tenth overall despite ranking third in assists and sixth in scoring. The real disaster came on the glass, where Krispy Kreme finished dead last in rebounds. For a franchise that captured the 2023 championship, the decline was a reminder that even well-constructed teams can unravel when their centerpiece disappears.

The keeper core still offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Haliburton returns alongside Cade Cunningham, Zion Williamson, Kristaps Porziņģis, Michael Porter Jr., and Norman Powell. Cunningham’s emergence provides another elite offensive engine, while Zion and Porziņģis offer considerable upside when healthy. But durability remains a serious concern, and this group needs better rebounding support to compete with SlamNation’s elite frontcourts.

Matt’s 2027 draft began with one of the offseason’s boldest moves. After jumping from ninth to fourth in the lottery, KSKT traded up again to second overall, surrendering Andrew Nembhard and its 2028 first-rounder. The prize was Darryn Peterson, an electrifying rookie guard with genuine superstar potential. Mitchell Robinson directly addresses the rebounding problem, while Morez Johnson Jr. provides another athletic interior prospect. Draymond Green adds defensive intelligence and playmaking, Jimmy Butler brings veteran toughness and scoring, and rookie Sergio De Larrea offers developmental upside as a young international guard. It’s an ambitious draft combining immediate help with long-term potential.

KSKT has the talent to rebound quickly, especially if Haliburton returns healthy. Peterson could eventually become the franchise’s next cornerstone, while Robinson and Green should improve its defensive balance. Matt has bet heavily on a return to contention, sacrificing future flexibility for another potential star. The doughnuts are still fresh; now Krispy Kreme needs to start winning again.